Oliver's Cinema

‘For the elderly’ and ‘music to be given a wide berth’ – this is what the young Eric Vloeimans used to think about accordion music, according to the CD booklet. Over the years, Vloeimans’ opinions have taken a drastic turn in favour of the instrument, which would no doubt have horrified his younger self.

Oliver's Cinema is an album that explores the marriage between trumpet and accordion. It's also a notable departure from Vloeimans’ more obvious jazz leanings. Although hints of Miles Davis can be found here, it is the inclusion of Jörg Brinkmann's cello work that acts as the catalyst between the two main instruments, often tipping the balance between jazz and classical contemporary music.

Fittingly, given the album's cinematic leanings, Oliver's Cinema was recorded in 5.1 surround sound. It is not certain whether Vloeiman's fully achieves his goal of laying his past scruples of this particular instrument to rest, as 49 minutes of solemn accordion music may seem a little too morose for some listeners.

However it is safe to say that if you were to give this album a ‘wide berth,’ you would be missing out on an opportunity to give the accordion the second chance it deserves.